Toyota Picnic (97-01) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Toyota has commanded the heavyweight end of the people carrier market with the Previa since the early Nineties, but the Picnic midi-MPV only arrived in 1997. It's a competent car whose six- or seven-seater layouts provide a practical solution for the family that's too big for a medium estate car or a Megane Scenic. It was discontinued in 2001, and now looks dated against current models.
3 out of 5

Other Toyota reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

There are two engines, a 2.0 litre petrol and a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel and are both ideally suited to the Picnic. They are lively, although the petrol needs to be revved hard. 60 mph arrives in just over 11 seconds in the 2.0 litre and takes more than two seconds longer for the diesel. Both are quite refined though.

2.5 out of 5

Handling

The soft ride means that the Picnic can quickly reach its limits on a very windy road. However it is difficult to upset because of its low centre of gravity and very car-like behaviour. The handy size of the Picnic means that it is less of a worry to park, or manoeuvre in built up areas.